OTTAWA -- At the request of Elizabeth May herself, Toronto lawyer Sheila Block will investigate complaints that the leader of the federal Green party bullied and harassed some of her staff members.

May says she is not and has never been a bully, something she expects will be borne out by an independent investigation.

Three former Green Party staffers allege longtime leader Elizabeth May created a toxic work environment with conduct that includes yelling at employees and putting them down in front of their colleagues. https://t.co/sa1UJdVOWY

May says she has the support of the party and won't step down, attributing the allegations to disgruntled party members who are trying to end her leadership.

"A man with these qualities is admired for his leadership. A woman is portrayed as overbearing and bullying. These outdated gender stereotypes have no place in 21st century Canada." - Green Party of Canada statement

May says Block will determine who will be interviewed and when, and that her findings will be made public once the investigation is complete, hopefully in a few weeks.